Dear Friends,
Greetings from Fairacres! I am sitting to write these notes on a warm June evening; we have just made the transition liturgically from Paschaltide to Ordinary Time, white to green, and life in the Convent is itself settling into ‘ordinary’ time. In June that means fruit picking; raspberries, loganberries, blackcurrants and even cherries (although this year the cherries seem to have become overripe before we, or even the birds, could get to them. The garden is at its best (although rather dry), and the buildings look positively Mediterranean in the sunlight. It is the picture of peacefulness—Fair Acres indeed.
The contrast with what we see on the news is marked. So many parts of the world are suffering the results of war and civil strife. Many places are suffering the effects of climate change. Sadly, it feels as if every time I write that is part of what I need to say, and often I have asked for your continuing prayers.
Recently, when preparing for this year’s Chapter meetings, I came across some words of Fr Cary SSJE which I found helpful, relating to our prayer and our hopes, for the world:
All the world has a place in your heart, because it has its place in the heart of Jesus.
As many of you may know, Fr Cary was Father Director of the Community from 1916 until his death at the beginning of 1950. He wrote a Rule for the Community, the second Rule SLG lived under, and then a commentary on the Rule, known as the Dicit in 1936. The words above come from page 20 of the Dicit; he is talking about the commitment of life under the Vows which, in many ways, frees the Sisters to be set wholly on God. As we grow more in love of God we will also grow in love of what God loves and wills, rather than our human desires and passions.
When we look at our world and its current state, we may well find ourselves feeling broken hearted at what we see; I am sure that is something that is true for God as well, that God is broken hearted at the state of his good creation and calls us to join in concern and compassion.
As a young nun, worrying over how best to practice intercession, I went to Fr Gregory CSWG, my confessor, and asked his advice. He responded by pointing me to the Icon of the Sign which shows Our Lady, hands held up in prayer with the Child Jesus in a mandala over her heart. He suggested that, like Mary, I should remember that Jesus dwells in my heart and that I can bring the needs and concerns of the world into my heart, as into a welcoming space, and hold them there in the presence of God. When we don’t know how to pray or what to pray for, that suggestion to simply hold the concern before God in the heart can be a way forward in prayer.
And as Fr Cary said, the whole world has its place in the heart of Jesus, and therefore also in our hearts. There is a place for broken heartedness, but also for hope in the grace and mercy of God.
Here at Fairacres we recently had an opportunity for a group photo with nearly everyone present. We are looking forward to the clothing of Michelle as a Novice on 19 August, and I would ask your prayers for her as she prepares for this next step in her vocational journey. We are also looking forward to having two alongsiders living with us over the year. This gives women opportunity to live, pray and work with the Community as closely as possible in order to gain a sense of what it is like to live within a Religious Community and to serve God in that way. Often women who live alongside are doing so as part of their vocational discernment, but women may also come who simply want to learn more about prayer and Christian living. Should any of you know of women who might be interested in this experience, please do encourage them to look at our website and to get in touch.
Sadly, there have been losses over the past months as well as fresh beginnings. OS Joan Anna (Joan Cooper) died at the beginning of January aged 101. OS Natalie of the Indwelling Christ (Natalie Sharp) died on 25 January. Meanwhile we have Oblate Sisters preparing to commit themselves further through annual and life promises, as well as women enquiring about Oblature. The juxtaposition of endings and beginnings reminds us of the rhythm of life, death and resurrection that we celebrate throughout the Christian year.
As usual I leave you with a request for prayer—for us here at Fairacres and for the world.
All the world has a place in your heart, because it has its place in the heart of Jesus.
With prayers and best wishes from all at Fairacres,
SISTER CLARE-LOUISE SLG